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Watercolour Painting Improvers

Watercolour Painting Improvers

This course is designed for students who have a basic understanding of watercolour techniques and want to take their skills to the next level. You'll improve control, and explore more advanced skills such as refining your technique in working wet on dry, wet on wet, and in glazing.

Each week builds on key principles such as blending, layering, and adding texture, as well as exploring successful composition and design, allowing students to create more refined and expressive watercolour paintings. Through guided exercises, students will also explore how to capture light, shadow, and atmosphere effectively, adding subtlety and complexity to their work.

The course is structured to offer both technical instruction and creative exploration, ensuring that students grow both artistically and confidently with the medium. With a combination of quick studio exercises and more challenging compositions, such as portraiture and botanicals, you will leave with a deeper understanding of watercolour painting and a folio of accomplished works.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Take your watercolour skills further as you build confidence with colour, control and expressive technique to create more refined and personal artwork.

  • Build on your existing watercolour experience in a supportive studio setting
  • Develop greater confidence with washes, layering and colour mixing
  • Learn how to create more depth, atmosphere and detail in your paintings
  • Strengthen your control while keeping the freshness and fluidity of watercolour
  • Explore more expressive approaches to composition and subject matter
  • Refine your ability to work with tone, texture and contrast
  • Receive constructive guidance to help develop your personal painting style
  • Use the course as a springboard into further painting, drawing or mixed media classes
Advanced Washes

Develop greater control over watercolour washes, exploring how to create smooth transitions, atmosphere and expressive effects.

Layering and Glazing

Build depth and richness through layering and glazing, learning how to add colour gradually without losing freshness.

Colour Mixing

Refine your colour mixing skills to create more subtle, harmonious and confident palettes.

Tone and Contrast

Use tonal contrast to create stronger form, focus and visual impact within your watercolour paintings.

Texture and Detail

Explore techniques for creating texture, detail and surface interest while keeping your paintings light and expressive.

Personal Painting Style

Develop a more individual approach to watercolour, bringing together technique, observation and creative choice.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
Mon
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
Joseph Bucklow
City Academy, Farringdon
£225.00
07
Sep
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
£225.00
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Joseph Bucklow
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

Course Content Breakdown: Techniques and Focus Areas

1
Advanced Brushwork & Control
  • Refining line, stroke, and pressure for precision and expression
  • Using different brushes for varied effects
  • Combining dry and wet techniques in a single composition
2
Layering & Glazing
  • Understanding timing between layers
  • Building depth and vibrancy through transparent washes
  • Controlling tone, saturation, and light
3
Light & Shadow
  • Refining your palette with more nuanced tones
  • Using colour to create mood and emotion
  • Balancing complementary and analogous schemes
4
Light & Shadow
  • Creating realistic or dramatic lighting effects
  • Understanding light sources and shadow placement
  • Developing contrast for depth and structure
5
Wet-on-Wet & Texture Techniques
  • Creating soft blends and atmospheric transitions
  • Using salt, sponges, and resist for visual interest
  • Experimenting with granulation and bloom effects
6
Composition & Subject Variety
  • Composing strong, balanced images
  • Working from reference and observation
  • Exploring landscapes, florals, animals, and portraits
7
Personal Style & Self-Expression
  • Identifying and developing your artistic voice
  • Choosing colours, techniques, and subjects that reflect your personality
  • Balancing skill-building with creative exploration
8
Final Projects & Portfolio Building
  • Planning and completing finished watercolour artworks
  • Reflecting on progress and technical development
  • Preparing a mini-portfolio of your best work

Your Art Supplies

City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.

All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.

BENEFITS OF ART CLASSES
Your Art Supplies

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Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
Mon
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
Joseph Bucklow
City Academy, Farringdon
£225.00
07
Sep
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
£225.00
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Joseph Bucklow
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you, they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

Joseph Bucklow
Joseph Bucklow